Belper 1st XV13pts Market Rasen 1st XV 0pts
This was viewed as one of the most important games in Belper's history. They needed to win to maintain any hopes of promotion from NLD One, while Markey Rasen were looking for a victory which would clinch the league title. Resolute Belper teamwork meant that Market Rasen failed to score in a match for the first time this season and the only blemish on the victory was the sending off of skipper Ed O'Dell, who was dismissed in the second half for stamping. Belper led
Belper 1st XV13pts Market Rasen 1st XV 0pts
Arguably the most important game in the history of Belper Rugby Club, league leaders Market Rasen arrived needing only to win to take the league title and confirm promotion, whilst Belper, in their 25th season needed to win to secure any chance of promotion. The scene was set for a titanic struggle watched by a large crowd at Strutt's Field. Belper had the slope and wind in their favour in the first half and soon showed the Rasen that they were no pushover by holding their early powerful thrusts. Gradually Belper began to take control playing for much of the time in the visitors' half of the pitch, both defences holding firm. Belper back row of Merv Holmes and skipper Ed O'Dell had tremendous games and eventually from one of their forays, scrum half Jon French delivered fast second phase possession. Steve Dymond set Mike French on the burst and he fed Andy Laven, who came back inside from full back to score the posts. Dymond converted to give Belper a 7-0 lead until half time, despite losing winger Simon Teager with a hamstring twinge. He. was replaced by Jason Cooke for his first game back. following injury. Belper front five of Mike Wild, Mitch Town and veterans Alan Mayes and Rob Parker were all having great games, and were begining to supply the backs with the sort of possession that was examining the Rasen defence. Mike French was a constant thorn in their side along with young Craig Tennick, whilst winger Jason Cotton, as well as putting in some jinking runs, made his mark in defence. Early in the second half Belper were winning a ruck and he visitors handled on the floor, before a frustrated Belper skipper Ed O'Dell was sent off for stamping. Down to 14 men against the wind and up the slope, Belper could have been forgiven for succumbing to the top scoring team in the league. They continued to attack, and man of the match Merv Holmes nearly scored, as did Simon Cooke, following a bulldozing up the touchline and on the other wing Jason Cotton knocked on only three metres from the line. Andy Laven scored a dropped goal from 42 metres.
Worksop 2nd XV 46 Belper 2nd XV 0 friendly
Belper started this game one Short, but under the positive influence of skipper Geoff Hornby and with all the youngsters playing well, they held their powerful opponents until just before half time. Then they lost centre Pete Foulk with an injury and in the second half the flood gates opened. With two extra men the home side ran out convincing winners, despite a powerful effort from Rick Bartram and the returning Tim Yule in the second row.
Friendly Belper 3rd XV 19 Amber Valley 3rd XV 69
Belper attempted to keep the score down but were overrun by dominant visiting team. Skipper Neil Wayne nearly scored an interception try whilst Paul Thomas and Noel Woodward did cross the line, and Belper were awarded a penalty try when Haydn John was Illegally stopped following a kick ahead.